Josh Smith hauls in a pass as Arkansas State’s Chris Humes approaches in this file photo.KNOXVILLE – In its third game of 2013, Tennessee went to Oregon short a couple of wide receivers because of injury and started Vincent Dallas, who played on defense for part of preseason training camp and actually left the program the following month, between two true freshmen.
The Volunteers are down one key piece of its receiving corps heading into their third game this season, but the situation is far less bleak.
Despite the high ankle sprain that will keep Von Pearson out for a few weeks, it’s been business as usual for Zach Azzanni’s unit ahead of Saturday night’s trip to No. 4 Oklahoma.
“We’ve got to pick up the rifle and move on,” Tennessee’s receivers coach said after practice. “Josh Smith’s done a great job, and those guys were splitting time anyway. Having Johnathon Johnson back healthy helps, too, so we have some depth. Any time you lose a guy like Von, he’s a difference-maker.
“We know that, but the next guy’s got to pick up the rifle and move on. We haven’t skipped a beat. We’re not changing the game plan or anything like that. We’re running what we run, because I think we can with those other guys.”